Snippets of Science

Here at Snippets of Science, we (it’s just me still) are always trying to push the envelope, to create a new experience for the loyal readers. In my personal life, a number of factors have coalesced that give me a unique opportunity: to be able to visit anywhere in the Netherlands and enter hundreds of museums for no extra cost. Using the NS Weekend Vrij season ticket, as well as the downright revolutionary Museumkaart, I am able to visit any museum in the Netherlands, and maybe pay only to rent a bike and get lunch.

Am I just bragging about this because I’m very happy that this is an opportunity I get to have? Yes, yes I am. But there is more to it. These museum and science centre visits will, in turn, be given back to you as well.

I have a Masters degree in Science Communication, as many of you will already know, and have worked in a small science centre for a few years post-graduation. This gives me an interesting perspective on what these places do right and what they could work on in the future.

I will be writing reviews of various science centres and museums across the Netherlands in addition to the other content on this website. As a professional also in the space, I hope that I can give you a decent understanding of what each place excels at, why you may want to go there, or perhaps why you may want to avoid it. I will take into account the general audience it is aimed at and make recommendations based on everything presented.

I don’t tend to enjoy number-based rating systems, but I do know that a number of people prefer those as a shorthand. I will rate them out of seven, with a 0 meaning the venue should be avoided at all costs, and a 7 meaning you should travel internationally to ensure you get to see the museum. I don’t expect many places will achieve either of those.

If the venue accepts a Museumkaart, I will not be taking price into consideration. I will still provide the cost of standard tickets for adults and children, but as I will not have paid for one, it would be unfair to factor that in to my review. If the cost could be a barrier, I highly recommend fully reading the review to ensure that this is a place you and your family would enjoy going. If they do not accept a Museumkaart, the price will be factored into the final review (so if you want to support me going to these places and reviewing them, visit my Ko-Fi!).

What is the Museumkaart I keep referring to? I’m glad you asked. It is a programme of sorts here in the Netherlands that allows you to visit over 500 different museums across the country at no extra cost. It is only offered to EU residents and has an upfront cost of €75 for adults and €39 for children. It remains valid for a year. If you find yourself visiting a lot of museums, or plan on doing so, either go to museum.nl or ask at the ticket desk of the next Dutch museum you visit if they can tell you more. This is not an ad, I wish it was, but I’m more than happy to support it for free.

And that’s going to be everything from me. It’s been a while, travel and illness have been in the way of continuing to build this blog, but I am working on getting new articles and features your way as soon as possible. The first review will go up at some point this week and I’m very excited for you all to read it.

Later!